5 Reasons To Get A Massage – Other Than As A Luxurious Treatment
Is a massage really worth the expense? This is a frequently asked question by most patients considering massage therapy. But, what some don’t know is that massage is not just a luxury or a special event to pamper yourself or a loved one. While a massage may feel good, it is also good for you. Massage therapy is one of the oldest forms of healing in existence. It’s an essential part of wellness and self care that can impact your overall health and affect how you live, work and play each day.
There are many things massage can do not only for your body and health, but also for your mind. Check out these 5 reasons to get a massage other than as a luxurious treatment:
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Reduce Stress
Research shows that getting a massage can lower heart rate and blood pressure and relax the muscles. It also increases the production of the body’s ‘feel good’ chemical called endorphins, designed to relieve stress and enhance pleasure. Not only does massage calm your body, it relaxes your mind, easing your thoughts and everyday worries and helping you to unwind and de-stress.
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Strengthen Immune System
Massage can help to fight off the common colds and bugs that many people face throughout the year. Massage increases circulation in your lymphatic system, the body’s natural defense against toxins. This helps to ward off infection and heal injuries. The effects of massage cause a decrease in cortisol, which increases the amount of ‘natural killer cells,’ giving your immune system activity a boost.
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Improve Sleep
During a massage, tense muscles are relaxed and the nervous system is calmed, slowing down the body’s rhythm. Blood pressure and heart rate are lowered as breathing deepens, setting you up for a great night’s sleep – you may even find it easy to drift off on the table! The relaxing atmosphere and aspects of a massage increase delta waves and undoubtedly assist in restoring restful sleep. Massage can be especially beneficial in treating sleeping problems caused by stress or chronic pain.
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Relieve Pain
Massage is especially effective in treating pain by relieving discomfort with long, slow and soothing strokes. Along with slowed heart rate and decreased blood pressure, a massage also helps to heal by increasing blood flow to the muscles. It blocks the nervous system’s pain receptors and increases mobility to the joints. There are many different massage styles to accommodate different aches and pains and deliver the most therapeutic and beneficial outcomes.
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Enhance Attitude
Benefits of a massage go far beyond the body. Massages help to prevent stress, depression and anxiety and stimulate brain wave activity in the left lobe (activated when we’re happy). Who doesn’t feel great after a massage? Endorphins are boosted and your body is relaxed, you may even feel like a new person!
There are so many benefits to massage therapy and the positive effects of a massage can be seen in all aspects of life. You don’t have to be suffering from pain to benefit, and it shouldn’t be a luxury you occasionally treat yourself to. Massage is a necessary part of overall wellness and self care. At Bird Rock Massage we cater every massage to your needs. Ask about our different types of massages and how they can benefit you!